Removable Pressure Pod Assembly for Dialysis Systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional pressure monitoring components in dialysis systems, such as pressure pods, are difficult to remove and replace, especially for untrained individuals like dialysis patients, due to intricate connection mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
The pressure output device (POD) assembly includes a connector coupled to a measurement port on the dialysis machine, a POD receptacle installed over the connector, and a POD with inlet, outlet, and sensor ports, allowing for easy removability and secure installation without requiring complex manipulation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional pressure pods use intricate connection mechanisms (e.g., luer lock), then connection reliability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates for untrained users
Solution Approach 1:
The connection system is divided into separate functional elements: a connector component with simplified connection features, a POD receptacle with corresponding engagement structures, and a POD component. This segmentation allows each element to have optimized connection features that are easier to manipulate while maintaining secure attachment when assembled.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector and POD receptacle act as intermediary components between the pressure pod and the dialysis machine. These intermediaries provide simplified connection interfaces that mediate the interaction, making the overall system easier to install and remove while maintaining reliable fluid connection and mechanical attachment.
2Ease of operation
If pressure monitoring components are made easily removable, then ease of operation is improved, but connection stability may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The connection system transitions from static, fixed connections to dynamic, easily detachable connections. The connector and POD receptacle are designed with engagement features that allow simple insertion and removal actions by users, while maintaining stable fluid-tight connections during operation through the integrated design of the components.
3Ease of operation
If connection mechanisms are simplified for easier manipulation, then ease of operation is improved, but manufacturing complexity may increase
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple connection functions are merged into integrated components: the connector combines fluid connection features with mechanical engagement elements, and the POD receptacle integrates both fluid interface and mechanical attachment structures. This merging reduces the number of separate parts and simplifies the overall connection mechanism while maintaining ease of manipulation.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The POD assembly facilitates easy installation and removal of pressure monitoring components, ensuring a stable and strong connection to the dialysis machine, thereby simplifying maintenance and use by both technicians and patients.
Implementation Method 1
A membrane or diaphragm may be positioned between the blood chamber and the pressure port. The membrane provides a sterile barrier to the blood circuit and prevents blood contamination of the machine, while allowing air pressure to pass through the membrane
Implementation Method 2
pressure transducer inside the machine
Data Source
AI summary
A pressure output device (POD) assembly used for measuring fluid pressure in a fluid processing system is described. The fluid processing system may be or may include a dialysis machine. In one example, the POD assembly may include a connector configured to be coupled to a measurement port arranged on an outer surface of a fluid processing system, a POD receptacle configured to be installed on the outer surface over the connector, the POD receptacle may be configured to be coupled to the connector, and a POD may include an inlet port, an outlet port, and a sensor port, the POD may be configured to be removably installed within a POD seat formed in the POD receptacle, the sensor port may be arranged within a POD opening of the POD receptacle and coupled to the connector to fluidically couple the POD to the measurement port. Other embodiments are described.